[ - Author's Note - ]
Okay; new chapter, new territory!
We're off to Eastport to encounter an old problem although different in execution and then we get more on what Shamhaza is up to... Things are gonna come to head sooner or later...
Again; links to the ongoing poll is at the bottom, come along and enjoy! Let's have fun today!
Let's go!
[ - Act II β Chapter XXXVIII: Conviction & Doubt - ]
Ring... Ring... Ring... The shakujo rang once more as she walked through the mists. This time she was fully aware she was in a dream and once more she was led by the Odd-Faced God by her arm. The mists; however, were not as thick as before. She could see more of the world around her and at the edges of her vision she could see a mix of flowers along the field they walked; chysanthemums, carnations and gerberas all. Once more the figure in dark clothing was before her; clearer and clearer with each step now although only the head was visible in full; he wore a dark blue kabuki style mask that bore a short, pointed muzzle of teeth with notable fangs and a small point under the chin. Two short horns were at the top; pointed away from one another curved back over the head; a black cloth covering the hair of the figure. The eye holes looked white with the barest hint of pale blue to them.
Kaguya still did not understand the meaning behind this but the man before her was what mattered most; a man her god was guiding her to with an arm holding her own. She would awaken a moment later and stare to the ceiling over her; unmoving as she took a moment to consider the message. Sadly God was unable to come out and speak what he intended to say; that or he enjoyed teasing her; God was known to have a sense of humor, after all. Finally she sat up to prepare for her day.
[-]
While the County of Eastport's finances are nearly on par with fellow Blue State Dayhill they never were able to rise to a duchy; this was mostly because of their position near the Kingdom of Nyaru. While previous House Stilwater and current House Redhull wanted to reinvest their fortunes to further economic endeavors the need to ward off the Lord of the Mountain Lions required a higher level of military investment on their eastern border; Forts Incarnate, Defender, Stilwater and Darksquall are built along the border as defensive anchors and the capital itself, Port Lacus Vigil, was reinforced, although a castle outside of it has yet to be built. This also led to the formation of the Lake Guard Shipyards which pioneered new military style cogs; their newest Constitution class being the current focus with the first of it's type, the ETS-EP Constitution, being the current flagship.
They boast some iron mines in their northern most tip but they have created a new industry in Beard's Cove near the border with Ironport; fish farms. After some initial issues they have started to raise trout in pens for the purpose of selling them as food and as a major export; mostly inland to other Eostian states. Additionally pearl diving off the coast has rewarded many choice pearls for jewelry; although farming pearls has yet to prove viable.
Aside from all of that they boast fertile farm lands and bare many, high quality cotton farms that are often used in the making of sails, clothes and exported as a source of extra income. Indeed; some think Nyaru covets Eastport so much as it's own territory holds much less usable farm land then you'd expect for a nation it's size; and the attempts to negotiate to trade food is an option the Kings of Nyaru has rejected time and again.
I fear the only way Nyaru will respect our borders is by the means of force and little else.
~Dominic James Pencraft, The Eostia Historia
[-]
We would ride southeast along the coast for a bit before turning in and more towards the east before due south as we reached Port Lacus Vigil; Eastport's capital. The whole way Kaguya became more and more concerned, doubly so as news came to us; a small town called Ricewell was wiped off the map with no survivors that have been found yet. We would share a look with one another. Surely it was Shamhaza that had done this and more then likely whatever he had made was stronger then it had been. This was stressful for the both of us; it was like the control circlets a second time over; but worse. With the circlet there seemed that there were breaks between when they popped up and the damage done by a single person wearing one was limited; although still horrific.
This? This was now two towns wiped out with ruthless abandon. And all so a man could try and craft god. If Kaguya's tale didn't make me dislike him before this was driving home the point he needed to be stopped and soon.
One odd thing noted by the scouts who found the town's condition reported was that tracks leaving the town suggested that at least four cattle (If not more) were left alive and led away. We both new what that meant and Kaguya confirmed that yes multiple spawnborne could be set into the same womb; provided there was enough room. A cow would have plenty...
That also told us Shamhaza was going southbound; the chances of a collision course were high now. I tried to focus on the approaching Port Lacus Vigil as a means of distracting myself by what I couldn't help with. This city was yet another Imperium era one although not as grand as some; it bore one set of thirty foot Imperium walls that bore fifteen additional feet of newer built walls atop of it. The whole thing was whitewashed and the towers bore the banner of House Redhull; the local lords of the County.
The shape was a tower shield but with a rounded top and the bottom coming down into a hard point with forty five degree angles. It had a gold outline and was mostly cyan save the bottom two thirds of the point which was a darker blue. On that blue was a red, double masted ship with a gold outline and above it dominating the top of the banner was a compass that you'd see on a map. It bore an eight pointed, gold star with yellow highlights, 'N', 'W', 'S' and 'E' and the end of the correct points, a gold ring just under the points, a thicker gold ring that touched the shorter, diagonal points with gray filling between the two rings and white in the center.
We would ride into the gate; unlike the other Blue State capitals we visited there was less variety in building type; while the odd Japanese styled one was visible it was European styled as that easily dominated with an Imperium minority. Even the local Adventurer's Guild was an old, Imperium era building. Speaking of which, we stopped in, said hello, shook hands, went up, slapped in a booster and left but not before the elderly dwarven woman at the counter sent us off with a shish kabob each. A good one too.
[(βΈβ ) Place Booster in Eastport]
After that we would ride through the town and finally reach the nobility district and Eastport Manor. Twenty foot tall stone walls, whitewashed, were around the grounds and the manor itself bore red walls and a cyan colored roof with golden trim and a nice, blue border along the bottom of the wall. The doors were also painted blue and bore the Redhull Banner in it's center.
A bronze statue atop a fountain before the manor was of a ship of some sort; a double masted cog of some sort. Interestingly it bore an Eostian flag over it; the left third was a sky blue with the top and bottom quarter of the rest being a soft gold and the rest white. In the middle of the sky blue section was House Redhull's banner; placing a House Emblem on the Eostian flag was fairly common to both state you're Eostian and of which state at the same time; like if each American state made a flag that was just the Stars and Stripes but with the stars replaced with a state seal.
(I'd later learn this was a statue of the original ETS-EP Constitution; namesake of a new class of ship and one that fought in the Nyaru Wars way back in the day. My understanding of the ship is that the naval community considered it as highly as the USS Enterprise back in the Second World War.)
Once we parked we stepped out to the front doors and walked in and we had someone already there waiting us; we did call ahead but usually they came out as we arrived. But that wasn't a huge surprise but how young she was; she was maybe eighteen. Twenty at most.
"Ahh! Welcome!" She let off, smiling to us. She was a cute girl; five foot three with short, orange hair that was a hint messy with aqua colored eyes with a splattering of freckles on her face... and chest and over the ribs; leaving her abs and thighs bare of them And I could see all of this thanks to her mana armor; a gold gorget with speckled aqua colored patches attached to rounded pauldrons trimmed with the same gold color and the bulk being the same speckled aqua. Deep blue wraps were over the upper arms and a bit could be seen under mostly gold gauntlets on the forearms and gloves with aqua patches by the hands.
Her chest was covered with a gold band without straps to the neck or shoulders and cups over B-Cup breasts being speckled aqua trimmed with gold and a single, aqua colored spell stone under the middle of the breasts. The groin was covered by the same; speckled aqua over the sex in a thong like manner and a gold trim and strap that were high on the hips, as well as deep blue traps attaching lower on the hips. Armored, gold boots covered the legs with (Guess what!?) speckled aqua patches by the knees and a deep blue layer under the tops of them. At her back was a gold colored trident with a notably longer, central prong with a large, golf ball sized, aqua spell stone set just over the shaft. "Countess Zealand Redhull, at your service Grand Master." She said with a deep bow.
...
"Pleasure to meet you; but if I may say you seem... very young for a countess." I said as she blushed and laughed nervously.
"O-oh no, I'm not that young..." She let off as she giggled nervously before her she squirmed. "I mean... I turned eighteen... last week..."
Hoo boy...
(-)
Name: Zealand Redhull
Title: The Young Countess of the Lake
Class: Mage Knight
Level: 21
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 37
Status: Healthy, Nervous, Earnest
Romance Rating: 109
Corruption Rating: 3
Known Traits
[Blade on a Stick] You are adept at using spears as a weapon. All spears can be used as a Primary Weapon, regardless of your class.
[?]
[Spearpoint] Your spear thrusts have a better chance to punch through armor. -3 Piercing Resistance to all targets when thrusting a polearm at them
[Lady of Water] You are well aligned with water type mana. +5% Effect to all Water Spells you cast and Resistance to Water type spells
Trained in magic and weapons since an early age she became an adept spear user during training. In addition she was noted for being a strong swimmer which encouraged her parents to grant her the use of the Golden Submariner; a mana armor that casts Aqua Breathe on the user and allows them to walk on water, jet through water and even empowers the user's water based abilities. It was their last gift to her before they died; leaving her a countess at fifteen.
(-)
Losing her parents at fifteen and having a county's responsibilities dropped on your shoulders? Ouch. She coughed into her hand for a moment. "But p-please, it's good to have you here. ... Mostly as I have... a small problem I can use help with." I felt my eye twitch as she leaned in and clapped her hands together as she put up a large, grinning yet nervous face. A clearly pleading face.
"...With...?" I let off blinking.
"ARE YOU READY TO BECOME MY BRIDE, YET!?" A voice bellowed from the second floor balcony as someone walked to view from a hall.
"A stupid old bastard." Zealand grumbled out in annoyance before looking towards the hall on the second floor. "I am not marrying you, now shut it!" She let off as he came into view; looking down at us over the balcony. I was already expecting another Victor as this situation already stank of what the now late tub-of-lard pulled in Ferra. Well... he was not a Victor.
He was six foot four and while he was overweight it was more in a 'dad bod' manner and even then under his great coat you could see strong arms. Said coat was orange over a green shirt and with a white Jacob's collar. He wore no gloves but had blue pants tucked into light brown boots. As for the man himself he was bald, had a flat nose, hawkish gray eyes and a wide chin. He bore a large sword on his back in a sheathe and he stood there with arms crossed over his chest. "By right of the lands of Nyaru, I demand your hand in marriage!" He bellowed out as we all looked to him for a long moment. I looked to Zealand after a moment; my choice of action made.
"Well then; given we are guests are you not meant to entertain us?" A let off as Zealand blinked then nodded.
"Of course; how rude of me. Come along." She said as we started to walk towards the man...
Only for the old man to leap off the balcony landed on the floor in front of her on his feet and bared her passage; crossing his arms. "You will not ignore me! I, Prince Fredrick Lynx the Sixth, Uncle of King Samuel, demand-"
'No." Zealand let off as she pinched her nose in frustration. Yeah; dude's an asshole.
(-)
Name: Fredrick Lynx the Sixth
Title: The Raging Beast of Nyaru
Class: Warlord
Level: 26
Alignment: Hostile
Reputation: 21
Status: Healthy, Enraged, Confident
Known Traits
[?]
[Multi-Melee Master] Your training includes melee weapons of all kinds! All one and two handed melee weapons become secondary weapon options for you.
[Heart of Fire] You have an affinity with the fire element. +15% damage and effect to all fire spells, Combat Arts and abilities
[?]
The fourth son of the former king of Nyaru and uncle to the current one he rose up in the Nyaruian military and had advertised for the conquest of Thorn's southwest for decades. He has been unmarried for decades but has had a long string of mistresses and several children with him leading to the nickname of 'The Bastard Smith'.
(-)
"Do not disrespect me, you ungratefu-"
"Why is an old jackass from Nyaru even here?" I let off as I looked to Zealand as the man flinched at my interruption before glaring harder.
"Because he's the ambassador they sent to us." She sighed deeply.
"And who are you; disrespectful whelp!?" He let off; thankfully at a lower volume.
"James Noxdecus; Heir to the Barony of Mungale, sick of idiots." I let off casually. "Now; kindly behave and take rejection like a man and not a toddler.." I said as he sneered at me.
"Listen to me boy you will address me with the respect I am due." He let off as I sighed.
"I am." I let off. "Have a good day, sir." I said, moving and setting a hand on Zealand's lower back and started to walk us around him; staying calm to ensure I sent the message that I wasn't afraid of him; expecting him to leave things be...
Only for him to roughly grab my shoulder. "You will not ignore me you snot-no-hurrrrrrk!"
"Kindly release his shoulder." Makoto said calmly... with her katana at his throat. "Or I shall have need to act in his defense."
"Attacking a nobleman would remove all protections being an ambassador provides moot." Kaguya added... kanabo drawn and with the shaft being patted into her open palm like she was from the Mafia and about to break a leg.
Err, yakuza would be more fitting, really...
"Tsk..." He let off as I lifted my free hand up and shoved his hand off me firmly.
"I would suggest you respect the people of the foreign nation you're in." I let off as I led Zealand away as Makoto sheathed her weapon.
And I could hear Riri speak as she passed him. "Touch him again and it'll look like it was from natural causes." She said in a very cold manner before moving to join us.
That's my Riri.
[-]
"So..." I led off. The place our hostess choose was a balcony (With privacy spells because asshole) and as we sat down we were served tea and snacks before the maids were dismissed. "I'm guessing this is the new plan of Nyaru to conquer Eastport?" I let off as Zealand groaned and leaned back into the seat. She seemed to look as if she was trying to melt into it.
"Yeah... I'm sure you figured out that he thinks by marrying me he can just take over the county..." She let off with a groan. "And he won't take no for an answer and because he's so closely related to the King and that makes it all the more awkward. Mostly as the King refuses to send another ambassador. He's been here for two weeks and it's already too much..." She leaned forwards to take a long sip of the drink as she settled down. "We've made sure he hasn't gotten into anything sensitive, of course, and he's housed in the embassy and only comes when he has business... and he always has business... What I don't know is what I can do?"
"What options have we to end this annoyance then?" Kaguya let off, looking to me. I sighed but I was used to having to be the knowledgeable guy.
"Well... I can think of four. Three really; I doubt killing him is worth it." I began as I sipped my own tea. "Have Zealand get married to someone else, send Fredrick back to Nyaru or shut the embassy down."
"Wait..." Miria let off, lifting her hand up like a student in school. "Why don't we have you beat him up? Like that time in Ferra when Victor pulled this shit."
"Because Victor van Bludhorn was using 'tradition' as an excuse on Jamaica and Fredrick is just being a dick." I replied simply. "Of course Zealand would need a suitor for the first to work-" I glanced to her and got a simple head shake. "-and the other two requires a question to be asked; how willing and able can we deal with the blow back from Nyaru?"
"In fairness; Eostian-Nyaruian relations have traditionally been... lackluster." Kaguya said with a huff.
"And given what we heard in Jerius could become worse shortly." I let off as Kaguya and Zealand gave me a look. I then explained some of the conversation in Jerius with Beryl and Calder Doppiodrago in regards to the Nyaruian naval build up.
"I was aware of that meeting and sent my commander to it but I was unaware of the build up." Zealand said, cupping her chin.
"Anyway..." I said with a sigh as I looked to her. "What will you do?" I let off as she squeaked.
"M-Me!?" She let off as I nodded. "...I'm, errr, not sure..." She said sighing. "There doesn't seem to be a good solution..."
"If I may say..." Kaguya began as she looked to her. "As a leader you cannot let yourself succumb to despair." She began as she spoke with a sagely tone. "You must calm down and focus. Others will seek guidance from you and while it is understandable you are still adjusting to such burdens you are the one baring them. But being a leader does not mean being alone. You have us here for counsel and advice and those who serve under you. We can discus the potential issues with whatever possible problems will arise. Because often you cannot make a perfect decision. Sometimes to achieve a want or a need a compromise or offering elsewhere is needed. More over you have access to a new tool." Kaguya let off as Zealand looked to her dumbfounded. "The voxlux."
"Yes, I had some brought." She said as she reached back and pulled one out; a built in bag of holding to her armor I guessed. "But I don't understand what you-"
"Who would be a worthwhile person to speak to about matters regarding Eostia and a foreign state?" Kaguya let off as Zealand looked dumbfounded for a long moment..
"Err, well Celestine would the best right? But the High Queen's a busy woman, right?" She let off as I nodded.
"Indeed... And she's busy with things like this." I pointed out. "And given how Fredrick has been acting and that he's a representative of Nyaru she should be kept in the loop. And now you have the ability to speak with her quick and clean." She looked to me then to Kaguya who nodded softly. Zealand looked to the voxlux for a long moment before huffing and looking to it before it started to softly ping and not long after it was answered by Celestine herself; her image popping up from the device.
"Countess Zealand, a pleasure." The High Queen said as she smiled in the image.
"Y-you remember me?" She let off almost sqeaking.
"I make an effort to recall all of my lords; although I have made errors in my many centuries of rule." She said with a nod. "Regardless; is there an issue you require help with?"
Zealand needed no more encouragement; telling her everything about Fredrick the Sixth and his behavior up to his reaction to our arrival. You could hear the High Queen sigh deeply once the tale was told.
"What is the old saying? Nine times out of ten it's Dominious... and the rest of the time it's Nyaru." She sighed deeply. "And I agree with the assessment. Do what you have decided on."
"B-B-But I haven-"
"Zealand." Celestine said with a smile as she giggled softly. "You know what you must do. This isn't the first time I've had someone ask for advice they already have the answer to. You delay your action to gain a perfect answer when none exists. I can see within you the potential to lead if you can break the chains of doubt. Do as you need. James; are you there?"
"I'm here." I said as Zealand eeped and turned the voxlux to face me.
"Kaguya has updated me on the... current troubles you are like to face." She began with a serious face. "I am sure this will be a challenge for you soon but if you could take the time to assist Zealand in this matter I would appreciate it. Let her draw upon your strength while she learns to wield her own."
"Of course." I said as Celestine nodded.
"Very well. I'll leave it to you." Celestine said with a nod. "Be sure not to kill him. Injured is fine but alive." She said with a nod. "Farewell." She said as her image vanished before Zealand sighed, setting the voxlux away before moving to stand. Points on the wise elf for seeing what I couldn't; Zealand's shoulders straightened as she took on a hardened look to her face.
"Right. I'm sure he'll be near and awaiting a chance to approach." She said. "Failing that he'll approach the moment he knows where I am. What should we do?"
"Practice spells?" I put forth.
[-]
We went to the spell lab and into the testing chamber of Eastport Manor. I had been teaching Kaguya Holy Flare and Holyblaze Weapon since clearing out Ironport Castle and she had picked the spell up as quick as I thought but hadn't quite perfected it yet. To be fair I hadn't fully perfected it myself so we practiced together and side by side. As we did I talked more about how I made it.
"Honestly I find it oddly... simple how you could make it." Kaguya let off as she smashed a Holy Flare into a target without harming the potted plant by it. Said plant had a few light singes (My fault, I'm embarrassed to say) but was mostly unharmed.
"Same; but once I made Shadowblaze Weapon I had a realization." I said as I casted another Holy Flare into the target. No singe. "I could repeat the process. Hell; Holyblaze came much easier thanks to what I had already done. Really Shadowblaze and Holy Flare were challenges but Holyblaze less so."
"Indeed. I can imagine." She let off with a nod. "I have not had the urge to form new spells myself but I am always eager to learn. That you share the fruits of your labor with me so easily speaks well of you."
"I did say I owed you." I pointed out.
"Indeed; but I have known some who part with their custom made spells far slower; even as payment." Kaguya said as she threw another Holy Flare. No singe. "And full glad am I you have; as someone who is used to being in the second line I at times have difficulty hitting targets without hitting allies. This spell will be very useful for myself." She said before looking to me. "Would you mind if I taught this to Celestine? Come our next meeting I am sure she will find such magic useful."
"Ah; I don't mind. ... Coming to think of it I should teach it to Prim sometime as well." I said as I thought it over. "I imagine she'd be in a similar situation."
"Mmm, indeed. She speaks well of you." She said as she threw another spell. No singe. "Often in terms regarding you as brave and gallant."
"I'm sure she's... overplaying it..." I let off as I coughed into my hand and threw another Holy Flare. Soft singe... dammit.
"You fought a man to the death for her sake and nearly your own." She said as she threw her own; no singe. "Risking life and limb for another counts as both brave and gallant."
I sighed softly as I thought on that. "It's not... Don't take it as I don't like her, I do but I sometimes think she latched on to me too fast after the Goblin attack. I just don't think one such act should be the basis of... well, she spoke as you said."
"If I may speak plainly." She said; stopping to turn to me fully. "I find some girls of her age are as like as not to deny their feelings, attempt to fool themselves into what they feel or think they can only be strong, or seen as strong, by suppressing their feelings and as such deny them. Prim doesn't do this; she acknowledges her feelings and is honest of them. I think she is more aware of her own feelings then Celestine is of her own despite her age." I couldn't help but snort softly in humor as she kept going. "Perhaps her feelings came quickly but do not doubt they are true."
"...Fair... And thanks; I know that about Prim but... it sounds more... significant when spoken to me." I said with a chuckle. "What about you?" I asked as she blinked then nodded her head to the side. "You talk about suppressing feelings as a bad thing and you are one of the most stoic women I've ever met."
"Hmmm... I imagine so... Being the Avatar of a God is... a position that demands much composure; after all those of my own faith seeks guidance of the spiritual nature from me." She said as she sighed. "But if you ask of worry then be assured; I have my own outlets of emotions. Even if I didn't Maia and Lulu would invent some." She said as I snickered.
"I can see that. Well if you feel like venting I don't mind being one of those outlets." I told her as her eyes widened a hint before returning to normal.
"Thank you. I will return that offer as well." She said... just as the door burst open.
"Zealand!" There he is.
While practice with Kaguya was the bulk of my focus the others were here too. Riri and Ur'Akara were playing maid for us while Makoto sat cross legged in meditation as Aeris and Zealand played on my chess board at a table that was brought in along with food and drinks. Zealand was getting her clock cleaned; much to her annoyance. Kiyono and Chouko weren't present; Kaguya asked Kiyono to get reports on Shamhaza and his possible movements and Chouko remained with her. That's what Fredrick walked in on as I shared a look with Kaguya and we moved to position to assist if needed.
Fredrick stormed up to Zealand who flinched but focused on her struggle with Aeris on the checkered battlefield of chess as she lost another lost pawn. "I am done with waiting! This union is overdue to return Ashland to Nyaru!" In the event you were curious 'Ashland' is what Nyaru called Eastport before Verlangen happened. Yeah.
"I'm busy." Zealand said firmly as she finally made her move directing her bishop to move down the board. What she planned to do was moot as the large man slapped the board away and off the table; making it clatter about on the floor. Yes, I added an enchantment to harden it from damage.
I still disliked him smacking my board like that...
"Now you're not." He said as you could see Zealand taking in a deep breath. She planted her hands to the table and rose up turning to him with shoulders straight. "Now we discuss-hurk!"
"You are banished from my realm." Zealand said coldly and firmly... coupled by her trident being drawn in one, smooth motion and held to his neck by one hand. "I am done with you. If all Nyaru can send as an ambassador is an aged, self entitled, fool of a bully then Eastport does not need nor require an ambassador from a nation that does not respect the sovereignty of other states or nations."
"WHAT!? YOU DARE DEFY-" Whatever else he had to say was cut off with a clang as the side of her trident's head smacked the side of his; near the curve of one of the prongs. And not gently either; despite the size difference he stumbled back three steps and clutched his temple.
"And stop shouting at me like a barbarian!" Zealand barked back at him. I was taken off guard myself by not only her shouting back but how hard she smacked him (She later admitted she used a Combat Art to increase the striking power; made sense after that) and when he stopped stumbling he ended up looking right at me. He snarled loudly...
And boss music started up as my view shifted. "YOU! YOU PUT THIS SILLY IDEA INTO HER HEAD THAT SHE COULD STAND UP TO THE MIGHT OF THE MOUNTAIN LION!" He let off drawing his sword and pointing to me as my view panned back. He really never used his indoor voice, huh? "YOU WILL BE PUNISHED FOR THIS!"
_The Raging Beast of Nyaru_
Fredrick Lynx the Sixth
My view returned to normal... and the music ended three seconds afterwards. Why?
Because he turned the back to the rest of the room. Namely Riri. And she moved before anyone else did and jumped on his back slammed her blades downwards into his shoulders. Both of his arms went limp instantly and his sword clattered to the ground as his grip failed. Yup. That happened. "Y...you..." He let off looking back at her as Riri met his gaze, still on his back, with a deathglare.
"I warned you..." She hissed out as I shrugged.
"Now, now Riri..." I let off, starting to sound like I was about to chide her. "Don't hurt him too much... He has to start packing his things tonight." Fredrick paled a nice shade of white.
Riri grinned; and not in a pleasant manner. What can I say...
She protecc...
She attacc...
She always got my bacc.
When it was all over he would walk away under his own power. It would be with a rough limp and he'd collapse outside of the manor before being carried off and dumped at the embassy. And yes, Kaguya healed him. Slightly. Enough to not die. Or be fully crippled. He might not have full use of his arms in the future though.
[Defeated List]
No Opponents Defeated
Gain No XP
Sad but worth it.
[-]
From my quarters I was able to use Telescopic Vision to see the Nyaru Embassy in the city. It was easy to make out as the flag flew over it... a little too high over it then a normal embassy anyway. The flag itself was easy to make out; it bore a deep green on the top half, a deep blue on the bottom half and from the left side starting from the corners was a curve forming a half oval that was orange with the tan face of a mountain lion in it with yellow eyes.
As I watched the flag was going downwards as Zealand's troops began the process of having the Embassy closed and the Nyaru staff removed; a letter via spell paper would arrive in their capital to explain the reasons and that they'll be accepting no further ambassadors from the Kingdom of Nyaru until House Redhull can trust the next one will behave him or herself.
I spent my time until dinner reading the various books I read and refreshed my knowledge as I was hoping to put it to good use when I got home. As for after dinner I decided to break out a scroll and start working on what I planned on for my mid-scale test. Sure; it still needed the people back home to pull off what I asked them but when I last checked in the report was making me highly confident. Also I decided to relax until she came.
They almost always seem to come... and the knock on my door made me sure of it. "Come in." I called out; my bet is that Zealand would enter the room.
The door opened and Zealand indeed entered the room. No surprises there. She wore a thin, aqua colored robe tied about the waist as she shut the door and I think I heard a soft click. She took a deep breath and pulled her robe off and showed off a nude body (With some freckles across her ass; very cute) as she turned to face me; a small tuft of hair over her sex... before she walked closer... in an overly stiff and clearly nervous manner before stopping before me and pointed to my face as her mouth started to move... without sound.
I sighed and stood up (With her finger following my face) as she yelped lowly as I set a hand to her forearm and gently pushed it down. "Okay now. Relax."
"I'm relaxed!" She let off... clearly not relaxed. I sighed and took her by the shoulder and slowly turned her about before gently pushing her down to the seat I had been using before moving around her and setting my hands on her shoulders as she whimpered. I then started a slow massage on her overly stiff shoulders as she lowered her head. "S-sorry..."
"It's fine... I've had this happen to me... save the nervous freeze up." She whimpered at that as I chuckled. "It's okay. Relax. Breathe, Take it easy." I said as she panted slowly under my touch as she sighed.
"I feel like I'm not fit to be countess sometimes..." She let off as I bit my lip. I... could relate somewhat; in my old job on my old world when I ended up as a supervisor for the first time I was way too nervous... and being an adult who went through that helped when I had my stint as acting baron back when my dad left to Roxford in this world. I had gone through all that anxiety well before arriving in Eostia.
I was never a sixteen year old with an entire county's worth of responsibility dumped on my head before I was fully ready and without warning. "Talk to me. Let me help here."
"It's just... I... My dad was amazing before he... Before his ship..." As she spoke I rubbed a tense knot from her back as I nodded. "It's like he knew everything... Knew what to do at anytime... Nothing phased him..."
"Heh... My dad's like that too." I said as she looked to me in slight surprise. "Baron Merlin Noxdecus; always known as a clever bastard and always with a trick up his sleeve Sometimes he seems to know more then anyone should. Know what he said the secret is?" She looked to me; eyes wide as she awaited advice of a life changing scale. "Stay calm, relax... and act like you have the biggest dick in the room."
"WHAT!?" She let off as I chuckled loudly.
"Ha! I'm joking with you. The truth is a bit simpler." I said as I ruffled her hair as she pouted. "You screw up, learn what not to do and then do better. And when you learn enough of what not to do you know what to do." She let off a sigh as she slumped her shoulders and pouted a little deeper. "The trick I learned was a bit simpler; have good people around you that you can rely on. And more importantly learn from others. After all you can learn from other's experience."
"I... guess... I just..." She sighed softly. "...I wanna be like my dad is all..."
"Well I did too once... but I found myself with different talents." I told her. "Your not your father... You don't need to be him; you just need to be the woman he'd be proud of." Finally she smiled and blushed and started to honestly relax. "So... Don't ask what he'd do. Ask what you'd do to make him proud okay?"
"I... yeah... that helps..." She said as she leaned back as I moved back to rubbing her shoulders firmly. "I guess... I guess I worry and-mhppppp!"
The cut off words was because I softly pulled her head back and leaned over to kiss her lips from above. My hands would then slide from her shoulders to her breasts; softly squeezing them as she reached up to grip my head softly. She groaned into my mouth softly as each thumb and forefinger found a nipple each as I tweaked them softly. After a moment she broke the kiss as she turned and rose off her seat moving to wrap her arms around my neck fully. My hands moved to her hips, pulling her closer before my hands slid to her pert ass, cupping it fully.
I would gently ease her back towards the bed as I moved a hand around to cup her sex; grinding my palm to her as she squirmed softly as she panted gently into my lips. I broke the kiss softly as I lifted her up onto the bed and laid her down. "Virgin?" I asked in a single word as she nodded once blushing deeply. "I'll be gentle." I hold her as I slipped two fingers into her as she shivered under me as I moved a thumb to her clit and rubbed it in a slow circle. She mewled under me as I slowly moved myself between her legs as she looked down at me.
Once I was sure she was good and wet... Well, it's time to break a virgin in. I would quickly pull my clothing off and toss them aside before I spread her legs wide and moved into position and set my cock to her sex as she bit her lip. I pressed into her slowly and gently; pressing in bit by bit as she leaned back and groaned. I had planned to stop at her virginal barrier... But as I bumped it it just tore under the slight pressure... My guess was physical training had worn it down and only needed a straw to break the camel's back; so to speak. She winced hard but seemed to settle quickly as I kept pushing until I was balls deep.
She was panting as she looked down to where I was buried deep into her as she groaned before looking up as she leaned her head back on the pillow. "I'm... I'm a woman now..." She let off as I nodded.
"Yeah... time to have you enjoy it next." I said as I started to thrust my hips She groaned under me as she shivered hard. It was a bit tough to move as she whimpered but I cupped her cheek with a hand and leaned in, whispering to her to relax and just enjoy herself. To my surprise, given how she was coming into the room, she did relax and I was able to move a bit easier. I started to pick up my pace although not to the point of getting rough. She moaned out loud; eyes shut as she wrapped her legs about my hips; hooking them as I leaned over; adjusting my hands to be by her shoulders.
I was humping into her sex as her hands clutched the sheets besides her as we both groaned in pleasure; her legs squeezing as she moved to humped into her. She was tight but relaxed enough to let me move as I started to ram into her harder and faster; ramping up my motions bit by bit to test her limits. I didn't go all out but I went rather hard with no complaint and her reaching up to grab my arms just over the elbows. She was moaning hard under me now as I slammed in deeper into her; my balls smacking her ass as I groaned over her. I had thought I could hold out... then she came...
Her sex squeezing down was the limit for myself and one more stroke in I came. She cried out as she shivered and I groaned as my balls squeezed down hard as I started to unload a nice, hard and thick load into her. The sounds of climax filled the room and once I started to settle down I pulled out and moved to lay down next to her. "Whew..."
"Y-yeah..." She let off after me as she shivered and groaned as she leaned her head back before turning to half lay on me. "That was... wow..." I chuckled a bit as I wrapped an arm about her and smacked her ass softly.
"Just don't act like you're more mature for having sex." I told her as she blushed.
"R-right... ...although I do feel a little more so now..." She said; with a part whispered but heard.
It was good fun...
Knowing what was out there it might be the last I had in awhile...
[Fucked List]
Zealand Redhull=100xp x 5 First Time Bonus=500xp
+20% Dark Horse of Eostia Bonus
Gain 600xp Total
[-]
Northern Eastport
Mining Town of Summer Stone
Near the Ironport Border
Late Evening
Shamhaza didn't question how Beardsley knew of the current location of his given quarry nor did he question it. The information he received was useful in his task and moreover what he learned was even better; Kaguya was his escort. The leader of his new allies was adamant of being able to catch all of the Seven Shield Princess for his own ends and offered Kaguya for his use, even if temporarily. Unlike his other spawnborne he didn't seek to have her sacrificed for his new god; no... After all she would need to be alive to be able to worship it... and bear further such beings with her holy, chosen body.
Only her, however. Perhaps Celestine should he be allowed. However there was a chance here to gain her for his use without the need for his allies. To have her for his own use; his better use.
The sounds of screaming cattle sounded; his new spawnborne were close to coming to their birth; soon enough to be of use if just. More over he allowed one man to escape the attack His quarry and Kaguya were in Eastport both and, as such, they must have been a day or two ride's out. Knowing her she would ride to save the weak and the meaningless. If that's what she would do to end his crusade then so be it. He would give her the chance to stop him...
And in turn capture her for his uses most holy.
All he had to do now... was wait.
[-]
Waking up to a warm body was always an odd but almost never unpleasant experience as I stretched myself out. Looking down to see Zealand's sleeping face I decided I could wait to do anything as she looked damn cute as she cuddled into my right side as she snored. Yes; she snored. Very softly and in a very cute manner. It was very relaxing and peaceful.
That ended when the door burst open loudly and Miria rushed in. "James! We have a prob-oh, that's where the countess is."
"Whaaaahaaa!" Zealand let off, rocketing awake and clutching her arms over her modest bust as she shot to a sitting position; looking mortified as she blushed. Meanwhile I just sat up and looked to my sister; ignoring my own nudity.
"Miria; what's going on?" I asked as she gave me a serious look.
"Shamhaza hit another town... in Eastport." She said as I stiffened.
It sounds like we found him...
Or maybe he found us...
[-]
When we heard of what happened we started to mobilize. Countess Zealand's usual uncertain nature seemed to lift for a bit as she quickly and decisively organized a band of knights under her command to ride with us; mounting a steed of her own; a tan mare wearing speckled aqua armor with golden trim. It wasn't hard to understand why Zealand saddled up; these were her people and Eastport's north was dense with mining towns; most of them small with only militia and while the main fort of the region, Incarnate,was closer Summer Stone on the northern Eastport/Nyaru border they would have difficulty reaching the region the terrain was rougher between them and Summer Stone while ours would be smoother and easier to ride on. They'd likely after well after us meaning there was a strong chance they'd arrive after we did.
As it turns out I was a bit wrong; when we arrived there was a small detachment of maybe four guys; dismounted from their horses who were investigating things; all in red, leather armor with House Redhull emblems on their shoulders. Once they saw Zealand they turned and saluted as the rest of us disembarked and looked over the town; the four men moving to report to their countess.
It was a horror show.
Buildings were knocked over like a child would knock over building blocks. Others seemed to be smashed in or exploded without a hint of charring. What was once a wagon was turned to flattened splinters. Homes, businesses and more were shattered. There wasn't a soul about that once lived there; the only sight of who was once here being blood splattered about across the dirt roads, grass, fallen walls and more to say anyone had lived there before at all. What was once a stone statue in the town's center square was unrecognizable; turned to rubble and crushed. We walked closer to the center of the town as I looked off to what was once the town hall. "Kaguya; how large did you say Shamhaza's beast was likely to be?"
"Human sized. Ogre at most; why?" She asked as she looked to where I was. "...oh..."
The town hall had a giant hole in it. From front to back there was a gap smashed into the barely standing building that you could drive a tank through. "I have a bad feeling about this..." I let off as I looked around for a moment. "We have to assume Shamhaza is here... I mean I have to admit... It's a hell of a place for an ambush."
"Yup..." Miria was look about with her bow out; right hands fingering the string of the weapon as she looked about for a moment... Before her ear twitched; pulling her bow to a full draw, aimed at something and sent an arcane formed arrow that was on fire into a window... And a smash was heard as... a giant wasp broke out of the roof with a long hiss as it glared at us. "Oh geeze; a wasp!?" She let off. Yup. A giant yellow-jacket by the looks of it.
Wasps; nature's way of saying fuck you. Now a foot and a half tall.
"I was unaware a Catalan was with your lot." I heard as from a somewhat intact building someone rose up... standing on the back of a dragonfly that was the size of a horse. "The hearing of their sort is as astute as I was led to believe." He was dressed like a mummy in bandages with a black cloak around him.
"Mizuchi!" Kaguya called out as she stepped ahead of me a few steps as she looked at him.
"You would still address me as such, Kaguya?" The man said with a sigh. "I am Shamhaza now."
(-)
Name: Shinkami no Shamhaza
Title: Priest of the Insects
Class: Monk
Level: 33
Alignment: Hostile
Reputation: 29
Status: Healthy, Calm, Stoic
Known Traits
[Magical Adept] You've learned how to manipulate magic and cast spells. You may cast a small variety of spells and learn magic based skills.
[?]
[Iron Fist] Your fists are hardened from years of combat practice. +2% Damage to all Unarmed attacks with an additional +2% Damage to all punching attacks. Furthermore your hands and knuckles have their resistance to damage doubled.
[?]
Once known as Mizuchi Inori he was a priest of the Seinaru Daichi no Michi, a position he took after his people fled to Eostia as they heard they were open to easterners. However upon the crowning of his friend, Kaguya, as the new avatar of their god he found himself disheartened and joined the Shinkami no Shi; eventually becoming it's leader... and last known member.
(-)
"So you're Shamhaza." I let off. I was a bit worried about Kaguya in the moment; I know she said they were once friends once but... This was a bad place to sort out feelings.
The green and massive dragonfly he stood on backed up and rose slightly as he looked to me. "And you are James Noxdecus. You are... not what I expected."
"I was unaware someone like you would know of me." I let off as my eyes narrowed at him. Maybe he heard of the voxlux but that he sounded like he expected me to be here for some reason...
"I have my reasons to know of you. And to see you dead." His voice was calm and flat. A bit hoarse maybe but he gave no hint of emotion as he lifted his hand...
And dozens of giant wasps rose up to surround us. Okay... That was scary but we could handle that. But that was for sure not what wrecked the town.
The building Shamhaza was flying over then was smashed apart as something rammed through and... oh... ohhhh... ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
A centipede.
A big centipede. How big?
Imagine a big, black centipede as wide and tall as a bus... And maybe six times as long. Yeah.
"Holy..." I let off as my vision shifted to the bug in question as the boss music started up. It stopped and rose up as it's mandibles clacked together before it glared at us and leaned it it's head to give a long, deep and oddly shrill roar as the view panned back to show it fully
_Giant Spawneborne Creation_
Kyuuosa Issoku
The view returned to normal after a flash and Shamhaza's dragonfly flew back and up... As Aeris nailed a large batch of the wasps with a wind spell; forcing them away as Miria and Cress went to work at playing the role of anti-air; firing arrows into the air towards the wasps. Zealand moved to join myself and Kaguya with Riri and Makoto following her. The Eastport scouts pulled their own bows out and started to fire at the wasps while the giant centipede lowered to the ground fully and started to stalk our way.
Needless to say weapons were drawn and those who could drew mana. Zealand was the first to act; thrusting her trident forwards as a spell shot from it center prong; a pointed burst of water that, despite being liquid, would hit as hard as steel. What was interesting was the massive centipede turned and twisted a bit and took the spell at an angle making it deflect off; although it left a notable scratch. Kaguya followed up; a Holy Flare thrown at it's face next. It dodged to the side...
And found my own spell, a Dark Flare, screaming for it's head. It still turned it's head before impact; the Holy Flare smacking further down it's body and my Dark Flare exploding on the side of it's head. It screamed out before turning and-
HOLY SHIT!
We all leapt to the side save myself as I took to the air as it tried to bite where we were; moving faster then something that size had a right to move! It twitched it's head to the side as a javelin from one of Zealand's men slammed into it; the missile hitting the side of it's head and not the face. As it bounced off I clicked my tongue in annoyance. I saw Shamhaza in the corner of my eye; he seemed content to sit this fight out.
We had enough on our hands that I didn't feel like I could go after him; not yet at least.
I used a dual cast from above and combined Frost Stream with Vortex Tunnel; I was aiming down to it's side and more importantly it's legs. It was clear this thing was faster then it had any right to be and hampering it would be a good thing. It let off a growl as my dual spell hit and coated the second fifth of it's body in a layer of frost and ice and it turned it's body to face me, leaning it's head back. That was all the warning I got, and being on edge all I needed, as I tucked my body in and activated my glove's shield; making sure it was facing it...
As a large, blob of green something shot from it and splashed into the shield I had up. Even so some splashed over and splattering across my right arm... and hissed. Yeah, acid! Fuck!
I broke off my attack and flew higher and moved to use Aqua Create to wash off and dilute the acid as Kaguya slammed her kanabo to the ground as a wave of energy snaked along the ground and moved under the massive beast before exploding upwards; a Seismic Serpent I think. It roared in anger and lunged at her. She brought up her tate and challened a Holy Shield (Arcane Shield but with a holy element) through it to defend herself before it slammed into it and started to push her back.
Something else hit her shield from behind; the upper half of a wasp as... ahhhh...
Fuck, we gotta Eostia now of all times!?
Chouko was charging headlong into the melee from behind Kaguya... fully nude. I. Am. Not. Joking!
Blade in hand she charged as the massive not-insect (Way too many legs for that!) and leapt up, foot set to Kaguya's shield before she twisted into a back-flip and landed on it's head before stabbing her katana down into it coupled with Breeze Weapon on it! Even then she only got maybe three or four inches of the blade into the exoskeleton before it reared up and started to shake it's head to dislodge her.
With the thing distracted I drew more and more mana before casting a massive Cluster Flare spell but I aimed towards the back of it as I didn't want to break the frost coating closer it's front. The effect was about nine Fireballs raining down across it's back side making it cry and hiss out and rear it's head back allowing Chouko to jump off; pulling her blade free and landing on the ground. It's back half was well scorched and a few legs had been blown off; with luck that would slow it down. And then it lunged right at Zealand who squeaked but quickly used her mana channeled through her trident to cast Aqua Shield as the beast bit down on to the liquid shield before she leapt back out of it... and casted Arctic Orb right into the shield freezing it solid and it's face along with it. It screamed once more and crushed the hollow orb before lunging for her once more as she leapt to the side...
Only for the beast to grab an Eastport solider who was moving to assist her and bite him in two, tossing the pieces aside of the man. "Gerald!" Zealand let off as I hit the back of the thing's head with a Hammer of Smite... and left a dent in it. It would later occur to me that Chouko's sword driving it wreaked the spot a bit. Kaguya would notice sooner then I would; with Holyblaze Weapon on her kanabo as she landed onto the back of it's neck (If it could be said to have one) and smashed her weapon into the beast's skull.
I should note Riri and Makoto were both on hand but hanging back; Riri up on a half broken roof and using throwing knives if a wasp got too close. Makoto would move in now; aiming for the legs on it's left side; using combat arts to ensure she didn't get too close while she hacked away. As she hacked a few off the monster turned to make a go at her and rushing her (And making Kaguya kneel and hang on with her off hand hand; bashing it's head with her weapon still). It opened it's pincers wide and tried to bite at Makoto who to my surprise (And near heart attack!) slid under it's jaws, slashed over herself and cut into it's underside! Holy crap! She would roll to a crouch and leap away to avoid it crushing her but that was ballsy!
Chouko would follow Makoto's lead; moving to slash and hack at it's leg; relying mostly on Combat Arts to have some distance beyond melee. Kaguya was still cracking at it's head with her kanabo more and more but it was still going as I clicked my tongue... as I heard wing-beats moving to me turning to see...
Shamhaza charging head long at me arms over his head and a Fireball in his hands! I brought my glove's shield up to block and reinforced it with my mana but the impact from the explosion still sent me down into a roof that shuddered but somehow held. I grunted but my shield held and was still up as I recovered from the impact...
"HEEEEELP!"
In time to see his dragonfly grab Riri with it's six legs and lift her up. "Riri!" I let off as I rose back into the air as the mummy man turned to face me.
"It is clear my creation was lesser then I expected." Shamhaza let off; Riri squirming under his bug's grip; her arms pinned to her chest and while she still had her weapons held tight she had no means to employ them with how they were held. "I will then need to start over with this stock."
"Put her down now!" I barked out as his bug turned; his head making sure to stay watching me.
"You will find it hard to force me without harming her!" He let off as his dragonfly moved and fast in a straight line. I moved to follow but I couldn't match the speed with Levitation alone; I reached forwards with a hand and used Gale Burst once more through it to use the vacuum effect to pull myself along faster. Shamhaza would look back as he flew away and a faint look of surprise followed as he saw me and as I closed in before he made a gesture with one hand. His giant dragonfly started to pick up speed to overtake my new speed. Even so I had gotten close enough and shifted to a dual casted Holy Flare/Vortex Tunnel combination right at him as he gave me an honest look of shock; clearly he thought I was about to kill my own maid.
He jumped off his beast and to the side as my attack washed over both his former mount and my maid... who fell out of the vortex; arms and legs spread before tucking in and turning so she could land on both feet just before a dead, charred, oversized dragonfly crashed into the ground with a loud splat. I would land nearby and moved to her side right away; casting a healing spell the second I was by her. "Are you okay!?" We were outside of the remains of the town; a dusty, barren patch of land with a road that led somewhere towards the rocky hills.
"Yeah..." She said letting off a sigh. "Thanks."
"An attack spell that does not harm allies..." Unharmed and walking to us was Shamhaza; looking to me directly. "I offer my respect. Clearly you've no intention of dying with ease or silence. As such I now have the need to take matters to my own hands..." He said as the boss music, still playing before, shifted to a very... Japanese sounding remix as my view shifted as he grabbed his cloak and tore it off in an overly dramatic manner showing that his whole body was wrapped in bandages. With his right hand he reached to his side into a katar with a back plate that looked like a beetle's back with three blades on the front; one long center one and two, shorter curved ones that snapped to the sides that acted as prongs, slashing it down and pointed to the ground as he lifted his left hand and drew a mana into it; forming a fireball before he glared to me. "Rest assured; you will be written in the bible of the new god." He let off at me.
_Priest of the Insects_
Shinkami no Shamhaza
When my vision returned he threw the Fireball; not at either of us but between us making us leap away from one another as he charged me. He thrust his weapon at my chest forcing me to deflect the attack to the side with my rapier before he threw an open, left palm strike at me and landing on the center of my chest with enough force to be sent skidding back. Before he could follow up Riri leapt back in; blades slashing at him and forcing him to block with his own weapon.
[-]
"Keep your distance!" Zealand let off as she looked to the massive beast. She didn't begrudge James for leaving the battlefield given the situation; he needed to protect his own after all. Thankfully the beast was slowing down as it finally reared it's head up full before flinging it down and forwards; finally dislodging the priestess from it's head. She twisted in the air and used a levitation spell to land on the ground gently.
"You are no longer directing it now, are you Mizuchi?" Kaguya said before holding her weapon before her; gripping her weapon with both hands as she shut her eyes. "Then you cannot direct it to stop this. I need a moment to prepare! Defend me!" She called out as she drew magic into the large spell stone on her weapon as she started to give a long prayer as she prepared her spell; her clothing lifting up as a deep, golden glow surrounded her.
"Got it!" Zealand let off as she moved to stand before her... Just before the centipede was hit with two arrows in tandem followed by more at the side of it's head that struck deep enough to stick. Zealand would note that Cress, Miria, the Eastport scouts and others with bows were firing on the massive beast. The beast started to lunge forwards before a massive burst of wind hit it from above it; staggering the massive thing for a moment as the Countess of Zealand gave a hard cry before thrusting her trident forwards and casting Roaring Torrent to sent a massive burst of water from her weapon in a long, steady and powerful stream.
Even with all of this; wind, water and wounded legs it still kept moving forwards although without it's previous speed. Zealand started to worry that she would need to break away before Kaguya was prepared...
"I am ready." She let off as Zealand glanced back... and saw Kaguya's eyes glow a deep, golden glow; the source of the oddly deep and softly echoing voice. Zealand would end her spell and leap to the side as the beast roared out loudly as she cried out and inverted her weapon; slamming the top of it and it's spell stone into the ground... and after a moment the ground shook under the feet of everyone present. For a single, long second nothing happened...
Before a beam of dark, golden energy generated by fired up from the ground and into the sky large enough that it severed the great beast's neck; tearing it apart. The body squirmed about for a long, long moment before rolling to it's side and curling up as the head flailed up and down; letting off a shrill scream before finally going still. Kaguya sighed deeply as she set her hands to the butt of her weapon and panted slowly; it required a good amount of power to use it and she was not afraid to admit that it had strained her.
"Are you okay?" Zealand said as she half jogged to her. Kaguya nodded once.
"Indeed. I need a mere moment to recover." She said before looking off to the distance. 'Mizuchi... How have you become what you are now..? Why could you not accept that god was not what you wanted him to be?'
[-]
I threw a mid-range Fireball at Shamhaza only for him to vertically slash with his blade; cutting it apart and sending the two halves away and behind him to fade away as he threw his own back at me. It would detonate right before him; one of Riri's throwing knifes intercepting it and the blast-wave knocking him back a few steps. An Arctic Orb was my own follow up; aimed to his feet but he cartwheeled to the side and charged once more. This time I blocked his weapon with my glove's shield and followed up with a Power Punch with my D-Guard aimed to his face which he pushed aside with a sweeping block before trying another open palm strike as I punched it aside with my D-Guard.
He delivered a front kick to my gut and transitioned his leg into a back kick; knocking Riri away as he hit her in the chest as she leapt at his back. I grunted and was knocked back two steps as he stabbed at me. I managed to sidestep and grab his arm under the blades on his weapon as I stepped in with a headbutt; the shield made by the circlet on my head ensuring only he would take the brunt of it. He grunted with the impact and blocked my follow up punch; hitting me with a knee to my left side. We were grappled now; too close to use the blade of my weapon and limiting my spells a bit; although I channeled lightning mana into my left hand and into his arm via his weapon he grunted hard before throwing a punch; I nailed him with another headbutt to make his punch too hard to throw in such tight quarters.
His knee slammed my side once more and I felt something crack. My grip on his weapon slacked and he freed it, thrusting it towards my neck with the prong aimed to my throat. I was able to lift my left arm up to block it; however as I didn't have the time to bring the shield in my glove up so my arm was caught between the blade and the prong; the leather bracer holding as he couldn't thrust as hard as he wanted as I moved my heel to his knee... and used a Magic Missile from it.
Being so close limited my spells; it didn't prevent me from using them.
He gasped hard as he hit my chest with his palm; a wind spell added to it in order to push me back... before that arm was cut by the elbow as Riri slashed at him with a long knife; ending his spell as he grunted in deep pain (Yes; grunted. I was impressed at his lack of response) before he slashed at her with his weapon, glowing with a Combat Art, making her leap back a good distance. He moved to step back but fumbled from his wounded knee and seemed to have trouble just standing. Now that I was a distance back I could see his knee was a bloody mess and the flesh on the inside was gone to the point you could see the bones at the joint. I was healing myself with my left hand; my ribs knitting back together slightly. Slightly; it wouldn't be a good idea for me to laugh hard right now.
"Surrender, Shamhaza. You've lost an arm and your knee is crippled. You won't be able to last much longer." I let off with a firm tone. Honestly, I'd prefer to just lob his head off, kick it into a hole and call it done; he deserved that and more for what he did... But dead men tell no tales and I wanted Shamhaza to tell me some stories... like how he knew I'd be here or why he'd care enough to try and kill me.
"...I admit... My position is rather... poor..." Shamhaza let off. Even though he was in clear pain he kept his tone level and stoic; you could hear the agony but it was well contained to the point you really could miss it.
"Mizuchi!" I could see from the air Aeris arriving; riding on her staff as usual as Kaguya rode under her; holding onto the staff with her hands and letting go; weapon and shield behind her back once more. Likely she used her own Levitation spell to help Aeris tow her. She landed on her feet and jogged closer as Aeris stayed in the air, moving to flank Shamhaza from another angle. Myself, Riri and Aeris all adjusted our positions relative to Kaguya; surrounding him on four sides. "Enough! Please! Enough..." She said... and while Kaguya was normally stoic in her own right at the moment her voice was much more emotional in a very open manner; her voice openly pleading. "Please... hear me... I understand God was not what you expected. It was not what any of us expected... But The Odd-Faced God is what he is; not what we wished him to be. He is as he is. He grants us his wisdom, his insight and his knowledge. I will not ask you to return to us but I must ask... let us help you..." She clasped her hands together as she stepped closer; he voice cracking a bit with some of her words. "Apostate if you must but please... I... I want my friend back..."
"...such pity you must have for me..." Shamhaza said finally in a soft tone as he adjusted his grip on his weapon. "...But no. I will not live with that so-called-god's falsehoods. If I cannot create a god my prayer and devotion deserves then I will grant his avatar no pleasure in victory either." He said before twisting his weapon; now held by the guard as he set the point to his heart. Kaguya's eyes went wide as I started to move. "I will die as my own god!" He let off; kicking his legs back as he fell forwards to his chest...
"Mizuchi! NO!" Kaguya let off; reaching towards him with a look of horror on her face etched clearly as he impaled himself on his own weapon with his own body weight as it was trapped between him and the ground; the blade pieces through him and out of his back. Kaguya didn't move for a long moment; looking to him in shock as I rushed to his side, rolling him over to his side. I set two fingers to his neck and after a moment looked to Kaguya and shook my head at her.
Shamhaza was dead.
She lowered her head before looking straight ahead and clasped her hands together, saying something softly before clapping her hands twice.
Kaguya lost her friend a second time. And me?
I lost my story.
[Defeated List]
41 Spawnborne Wasps x 210XP= 8610XP
Kyuuosa Issoku=3400XP x 1.25 Kill Bonus=4250XP
Shinkami no Shamhaza=3000XP x 1.5 Black Storm Agent Kill Bonus=4500XP
+20% Dark Horse of Eostia Bonus
Gain 20832XP Total
Level Up!
You are now Level 27!
+1 to Dex, Acc & Mnc
+1 to End
+1 to Rap!
+2 RSP & SSP
+5UTP!
Achievement Unlocked: Only Good Bug Is A Dead Bug
You battled oversized bugs and won, Trooper!
Achievement Unlocked: Agent of The Storm Slain - Shamhaza
You slain an agent of the Black Storm; Shinkami no Shamhaza!
Wait... He was...
...
That explains a bit but not everything...
I was only sure of two other people who could be a Black Storm Agent; Beardsley and Grave... Did one of them...?
"Mizuchi..." Kaguya said as she moved to stand before me and over his corpse. She bore a clearly sad look but seemed to refuse to let the tears flow. "This isn't how it had to be..."
[-]
"Well, that went well..." The bearded mercenary let off as he moved to Shamhaza's camp. He started to go through the two bags the priest seemed to own. He didn't think the giant bug would go down like that nor Shamhaza himself. It seemed like the Shield Princess was the real deal and the target wasn't far behind. He tossed out weird potions and other odd powders before finding something. Pulling out a thick, leather bound book he stood and turned it over before opening it and looking through some of the pages. "Huh. I can't read... but I know what notes and instructions look like..." He let off, grinning as he shut it. "And I know someone who can read it." He said before turning and walking away. "And I bet he'll enjoy it."
[-]
Inside the town the bugs were put to the torch. Wood, much of which was from the broken buildings, was set under the centipede as best able, the wasps dropped atop of it and set alight. We did this for three reasons. One; we needed to dispose of it somehow and this was the best way for something of this size. Two; people would likely move back in at some point in order to work the mines and a giant dead bug along with huge dead wasps wasn't going to drive up the real estate value. Third; this thing ate three towns worth of people and left nothing of them so... this was the closest thing to a funeral pyre we could give them; with Kaguya even saying a few prayers on behalf of the devoured souls.
It wasn't the only funeral pyre we had at that town, however.
I had piled a few stacks of wood together to form a bit of a somewhat stable table, filled it center and gaps with dried brush and cloth from the town and laid Shamhaza's body on top of it. His severed arm was set to his chest and his not-severed arm was set over it before setting his weapon over both. As far as I was concerned it was more effort then he was worth, to be frank, but it was Kaguya who asked me to help her with this and I was doing it for her and her alone. As the moon started to rise into the sky my work was finally done and I stepped back next to the Shield Princess as she finished her last prayer for the dead man.
"To be honestI do not expect... anyone to understand why I do this..." As she sighed softly. "Shamhaza does not deserve this funeral... but Mizuchi does..."
"Who was he?" I asked as I looked to her as she looked to him. "Before all of...this?"
"... He was always quiet and always... alone but he never seemed lonely." She shut her eyes; as if recalling all of the old memories they shared with one another. "Even so I felt the need to befriend him and we learned from one another. I helped him learn magic and he helped me learn to control my emotions. I was... I hate to admit it; when I was a little girl I would have seemed like a copy of Maia, or at least a child like version of her; scampering off, getting into trouble, questioning everyone around me... Shamhaza is the one who helped me settle down and I brought him out of his shell; if only just. The elders saw the effect we had on one another and when I was made God's Avatar they decided to make him my bodyguard; it made sense as he was well trained for the position but... he decided to join the Shinkami and one of his first acts was to attempt to kidnap me from the temple."
"That... must have been one hell of a betrayal." I said as she nodded.
"It has left a scar in my heart that has never fully healed." She said as sighed deeply. "It's strange. I never forgave him. Yet I wanted to forgive him... I wanted him to come back, to let things go back as they once were. To embrace him as I had when I was a child. I knew they couldn't... And after this I knew he couldn't be redeemed... But I still... I had hoped I could... ... That if I reached out one last time, if I reached out far enough and let him know my heart was open... But I knew... his heart was closed... It had been for years." She said as she sighed and pulled her kanabo out and called Holyblaze Weapon to it; coating it in golden orange flames. "I do not do this for Shamhaza. I do it for Mizuchi and Mizuchi alone... a man who, in truth, died years ago..."
Finally she stepped forwards; setting the golden, orange flames of the weapon to the wood; an oil soaked cloth was positioned to help accelerate the flames and soon the holy/fire flames engulfed him and started to burn the wood and the body of Shamhaza as she ended her spell and set her kanabo to her back. "... Please... Leave me... I need to be alone..." She said... before gasping as I wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "James..." She let off as she looked to me in surprise with wide eyes.
"Not long ago we talked about needing outlets for our emotions." I said softly as I pulled her closer. "You need one now more then ever. Let me be that vent..."
"I... I..." She let off as she trembled, her eyes shutting as she trembled in my grip... Before turning to me and pressing her face to my chest. "It hurts... It hurts..." She let off; withheld tears now flowing as I moved both arms around her shoulders. "By God it hurts! I want him back! I want my friend back! Why Mizuchi!? Why!?" She let off starting to openly cry as the funeral pyre grew and consumed it's fuel and the body atop of it.
And she would weep the whole time as the skies darkened above us making the flames seem brighter as they consumed the body of Shamhaza within them. And I held her; giving her the outlet she needed as I spoke to her in hushed tones and offering words of comfort.
Even as the flames died down with it's fuel expended and the corpse rendered to ash I held her. Only when she was ready did we leave; once she had composed herself.
[-]
The following morning we would leave the small town; Zealand along with her men went back to Port Lacus Vigil minus one, sadly. Kaguya believed that the wasps didn't have the time to grow larger and were weak enough to not pose a large threat; likely used as cannon fodder. Given how much punishment the centipede took it was clear which one he was building up; she even thought that it hadn't reached it's full size or strength.
Now that's a scary thought.
We rode to Alba Petra City in Ironport for the time being as it was close by and on route to our next destination regardless. Kaguya, aside from answering some questions on the spawnborne or Shamhaza, stayed silent for most of it and while I sat next to her I respected her silence. Members of the Two Blades found Shamhaza's campsite as well before we left and it seemed someone went through his stuff. No idea if anything was taken but given what Shamhaza made... It might be worrying what that may or may not be. One thing was left over, however. Tucked into a hidden pocket of a bag was a small, black letter with red ink; the sign he was a part of the Black Storm. And something of note was written there.
The letter itself was... well, a bit dry but clearly a recruitment letter. The writer called himself 'Varro Batzorig' and by all accounts was Shamhaza's boss or ally or something. At the very least this 'Varro' was a leader in the Black Storm; maybe even the leader. More curious was the seal of one Gottes Verlangen set to wax on it. There was one part of real note; payment of Shamhaza's work was Kaguya's body for 'extensive use in birthing a god'.
I think that bit of information hurt Kaguya more then anything until now.
Once back in Alba Petra City and Ironport Castle we were given rooms for the night; the House of Trademan was eager to have us and while Kaguya retired early I gave them the rundown of what happened.
Come the night I would look out the window of my quarters to the city outside and the landscape beyond as I asked myself a question...
How could a man go from a, by all accounts, good if quiet man to... a literal mad man? What drove him to those lengths?
Was it his convictions... or his doubts?
I knew this much... he wouldn't hurt anyone else again. I'd call that a good victory.
[ - Author's Note - ]
Well; Shamhaza is no more. He is now in the past tense.
I will admit that I had originally planned for Shamhaza to survive and reappear well down the line... but then I asked myself 'what am I going to do with him' my answer was... 'I dunno'.
I felt it was better to kill him here then then slap something together later.
I will say I think the centipede fight could have been a bit better but I didn't want it to come off as invincible nor vulnerable and I worry I missed the balance. But I wanted Kaguya to be the focus; both giving her a good, awesome moment and a large emotional moment. On that I think I did well. Feel free to correct me if you disagree.
Once more we'll be back on the booster run and there will be some aftermath of Shamhaza's actions yet.
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Until next time!
~~Eostian Scribe